Introduction: Drunken Gummy Bears
Summertime means getting outside and getting your party on! Bring this boozy bear to your next outing and score some great gummy points.
Vodka gummy bears are a great addition to any party or picnic. Though they may look like candy for kids, these infused gummy bears are for adults only as they contain alcohol. So, keep them away from the kiddos.
Making your own is easy, but does require a few days of infusion, so plan ahead. This process can be altered to include any type of gummy candy, and any type of high-alcohol spirit.
Ready to create these fun treats with your bear hands? Let's make!
Step 1: Supplies
Making your own drunken gummies is not only the easiest thing you'll ever make, but there's endless ways to change this recipe up by using different types of gummy candies and different alcohols. Here's an easy start:
- Gummy candy (your choice)
- Vodka (or any other alcoholic spirits)
- Food safe container
Try out any other combinations you think might work, like cola bottles and white rum or watermelon gummies and tequila. Have fun with the combinations!
Clean and dry your food safe container before use, and make sure you have some backup containers as you'll need plenty of room in each container to hold the gummies when they swell from infusion.
Step 2: Fill Container
Empty gummy candies into your container until about half full. The candy will swell up to about three times their size so you don't want to fill your container completely, otherwise your gummy bears will spill out of the container!
Give the container a quick shake to settle the gummy bears and level out the surface.
Fill container until the alcohol is just above the tops of the bears. You'll need the candies completely submerged with a little extra to spare.
If any candies popped up during filling poke then down with a finger, add more alcohol as needed to ensure the bears are completely submerged.
Step 3: Seal + Refrigerate
Seal up the container, this prevents any fridge smells from being infused in the candy as well as the vodka (you'd be surprised if your gummies tasted like the cut onion you have in the bottom of your fridge!)
Once sealed place in the refrigerator for a few days. Keeping them in a cool place allows the gummies to stay fresh while they absorb the alcohol.
If you leave the gummies out on a hot, or even warm day, the gummies will melt into a sticky goo pile. Easier to just keep them in the fridge for a few days and forget about them.
Step 4: Patience
Here's the hardest part of this project, waiting. Alcohol will take a few days to fully infuse in the gummy candy. During this time the gummies will swell up to about triple their size.
After about 4 days the alcohol will have fully penetrated the candy and made them large and soft. You can easily test by sampling one of the gummy candies, you'll know if they are not ready as the centers will be firm.
Step 5: Remove + Examine
Once your gummy bears are fully saturated they can be removed from the the container. There may be some residual vodka or gelatin on the bottom of the container, so scoop (don't pour) the gummies from the infusion container to a fresh container or bowl.
It's crazy to see just how large these gummy bears can get after a few days soaking in vodka.
Experimenting with different size gummy candies will yield some interesting results.
Step 6: Boozy Party, a BEAR Essential
Serve these boozy bears bears however you like, just make sure they are out of direct sun so they don't melt!
I had these gummy bears in a large bowl with small shooter cups next to them for people to scoop them out with and enjoy, but a large spoon or even your fingers can suffice if that's your thing :)
Store any extra drunken gummy bears in a covered food safe container in the fridge. They will last for months, though you'll probably finish them off before they spoil!
Have you made your own vodka gummy bears, or other alcohol infused candy? I want to see it!
Happy making :)